The Millhouse

Set in its own beautiful, secluded grounds, the Millhouse provides exceptional accommodation in the heart of the Charente Maritime countryside. The relaxing surroundings combine with the charm of this historic Mill to provide you with the perfect way to unwind.

Originally a functioning Watermill producing flour (the wheel is intact and still turns plus the original breadoven is till in place) it has undergone major restoration and refurbishment by the enthusiastic owner and his dedicated team.

The accommodation has large reception rooms with beautifully furnished interiors and outside there are wide sun and shaded terraces with extensive grounds and a large salt water, heated swimming pool with BBQ area.

As you walk through the main entrance door to the mill there is a spacious foyer with the main stairway leading to the upper floor giving access to the east and west wing bedrooms. This large foyer can be used for reading, relaxing or just simply enjoying the ambience of the mill while having a coffee and a chat on the two comfy sofas.

To the left of the entrance foyer is a large formal dining room which comfortably seats up to 18-20 people. In the dining room the millstream runs through the house to the Millwheel at the rear of the property and there is small wall suitable for seating and viewing the stream via a glass viewing panel (safety glass). This is a particularly nice feature as the stream is illuminated at night.

To the rear of the dining room there is a garden room with a separate downstairs WC with large shower, vanity unit with a hairdrier. The 'Garden room' doubles as an extra bedroom with a large comfy sofabed to accomodate additional adults or children in the party if necessary.

Adjacent to the dining room there is a large salon that has the traditional Charentaise fireplace with large comfy couches and entertainment in the form of a television connected to SKY satellite, DVD, and a music system. Passing through the salon you enter the large open plan modern kitchen which is fully fitted with the latest American style fridge, 5 ring gas hob, electric oven and microwave. There is a central island which houses the sink, dishwasher and is a great place to congregate when cooking. There is also a large ancient rectangular dining table and chairs perfect for having breakfast with family or friends.

Upstairs the large balcony area, which contains two large comfy couches and a small library stocked with old novels and magazines, is a perfect place for reading and relaxing and having a coffee during the day or a nice glass of wine in the evening. Leading off the balcony area are the the East and West wings of the house which contain the 5 double en-suite bedrooms and 3 twin en-suite bedrooms. The bedrooms are beautifully furnished in an eclectic style mixing ancient with modern in a traditional setting with honey coloured Charentaise stone walls and solid oak flooring. These bedrooms and bathrooms have been lovingly restored to compliment the rest of the mill without sacrificing the modern necessities of bathrooms and showers.

The double doors at the rear of the kitchen lead you outside to a large patio area with a large rectangular solid teak table and chairs which is a perfect place for al-fresco dining in the morning, lunchtime or evening, or just relaxing during the heat of the day as this is one of the the shadiest spots. 

Facilities include: 12mx6m heated saltwater swimming pool. Integrated 4m x 3m kids pool. 12m poolside Cabana with comfy seating. Douche soleil (Solar heated pool shower). Childrens playground with swing set, slide and wendy house. Free adults and childrens bicycles available for touring and exploring the area. Stone built BBQ at Pool area. Traditional bread/pizza oven. Weber BBQ. Satellite TV, DVD and CD player with Ipod docking. Wi-Fi enabled. 2 acres of beautiful landscaped grounds. Garden games (Badminton). Table tennis table. Board Games. Library with a large selection of books and magazines.

*Please note, locations shown on the maps are approximations only

Close to the historic towns of Saintes, Cognac,Taillebourg and St Jean D'Angely and only 40 minutes from lovely beaches in the area, the Millhouse is in a wonderful location. There is easy access to Angoulême the capital of the Charente and the major train stations, international airports, and only 4 hours from St Malo ferry port.

The Charente Maritime region is exceptionally sunny, and has it's own micro climate as a result of the Azores' anticyclone, making for mild springs and pleasant autumns. Along it's 470 kilometers of coastline, the Charente Maritime has around 110 beautiful sandy beaches, needless to say, seafood is a speciality here. It is steeped in culture and history and boasts 500 years of Maritime history from the imposing outline of Fort Boyard to the stocky coastal fortifications of La Rochelle. Inland and around the area it boasts over 400 stunning Romanesque churches. It is a place where the land meets the sea and is reflected in the beautiful shades of the wooden shutters adorning the honey coloured sandstone houses.

The house sits amongst the farms and vineyards that produce the famous Pineau Charente aperitif grapes which produce a sweet wine and is located approximately 14 kilometers from the main Saintonge city of Saintes (saintonge means saintes area). Saintes was originally a roman town situated on the banks of the Charente river. At most times during the year there are various festivals and markets selling local produce, fresh fish, seafood,poultry, fruit and vegetables.

The nearest major airport would be Bordeaux (Merignac Airport) which is about 1-1/2 hrs drive away.  La Rochelle a slightly smaller airport is located 45 minutes drive away and as far as we are aware, there are many budget airlines flying from the UK to La Rochelle.
 
Paris is about 4-1/2 hours drive from the mill.  The mill is also assessible via TGV trains from Paris and the nearest station is Saintes or St Jean D'Angely both towns about 15 - 20 minutes drive away.

Rental of the house includes
- Meeting on arrival or within 24 hours if night arrival.  Also check-out on day of departure- by the housekeeper.
- All linen and towels are included free of charge.
- Swimming pool towels are also provided free of charge and are stored in the pool Cabana.
- One laundry change per week upon request.
- On site management/housekeeping support is always available for your assistance and support.
- Childrens facilities such as high chairs, cots, a changing table, baby bath, right down to plastic plates, cups etc are available free of charge.
- The services of a Paris trained French chef is avaiable for the preparation of regional dishes served in the main house or at the pool/BBQ area, prices and menus on request.

Treatments
Massage, face, nails, pedicure, manicure plus various other treatments can be done around the pool area next to the jacuzzi or in the privacy of the garden spa room. Portable massage/therapy beds can be set up anywhere and our therapist is able to spend 2 half hour sessions per person, split between the morning and afternoon.
 
Group A
Micro facial + file and paint hands or feet (30€)
Reflexology taster + Indian head massage taster (30€)
Reflexology taster + leg massage (30€)
Mini pedicure (25€)
Manicure (20€)

Group B
Indian head massage (25€)
1/2 hour reflexology (25€)
Foot, leg and arm massage (30€)
Mini facial (30€)
Aromatherapy face, neck scalp massage (30€)
Aromatherapy - back (30€)               

Option 1
4 days / 3 nights package : GBP 7800
The number of wedding guests we could comfortably have would be between 40 - 50 pax and a reasonable numbers would be allowed to use all the facilities at the mill such as swimming pool, jacuzzi, etc... Sleeping capacity at the mill remains at 18 pax (20 at a max if we are asked to provide z-beds for children below the age of 12 years old and these will be sharing in the current available rooms).

Security Deposit is GBP 1,500 due to the extra numbers- and end of stay cleaning fee is included.  Having said that the client must leave the property in a reasonable and acceptable condition.

Option 2
3 days / 2 nights package : GBP 6700
Same conditions as above.
For the wedding package, we can provide the following at an additional cost:
- Wedding planners
- Celebrants
- Marquee, Tables & Chairs Hire
- Florist
- Photographer
- Hair & Make-Up
- Pamper therapy
- Caterer
- Pianist with his own baby grand
- DJ & Music
- Info on nearby B&Bs, hotels to absorb spillover of guests.

We will also 'dress-up' the mill for a wedding (including the bridal suite and extra goodies are provided to bride & groom such as champagne, chocolates, etc..) and the couple have the use of our wedding arbor for the ceremony which will be fully decked out with organza etc.

- Security deposit: £1000. This must be paid 8 weeks prior to arrival and will be refunded in full after departure subject to damage inspection.
- Linen & towels: All linen and bath towels are included in the rental price.
- Energy costs: Included in the rental price.
- End of stay cleaning: There is an optional €350 end of stay cleaning charge. Please leave the property in the state you found it if you do not take the cleaning option.
- Arrival time: 5pm onwards.
- Departure time: 10am.
- Pets: No pets allowed.
- Smoking: No smoking in the property.
- Contract: The owner of the property has a holiday rental contract that must be signed and returned before a booking can be confirmed.
- Other: Please note that the property is only rented in 2 week periods in July & August.
- It is recommended that all guests take out insurance to cover against potential cancellation and any accidental damage caused during your stay at the property.

I cannot enough express our satisfaction, amazement and I’d go as far as to say euphoria, about our experience there. It is an overwhelmingly beautiful house and grounds and it is fitted out to the highest of standards with clear loving attention to detail.

Thomas H. - Manchester, UK

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We are most certainly not lost for words ! We never felt alone, Manisiah and Steve were incredibly helpful in making us feel at home and offering invaluable local advice. What a wonderful holiday.
We will never forget the beautiful setting, the fabulous food and wine and the fabulous company. Nothing could have topped it better than the engagement of my little sister. Brilliant.
We can’t wait for the wedding at The Millhouse.

The Humans, The Cartons, The Carters, The Capsticks, The Rourkes, Monsieur Rowbotham and Monsier Stapleton…Manchester, UK

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A fantastic holiday had by one and all! Beautiful house & gardens, facilities thoroughly thought through to accommodate everyone’s needs. Children had the most wonderful time and enjoyed every bit of their holiday. Thak you for making it a most pleasant experience.

The Johnson’s, Duffins & Brabenders & McTears

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What a wonderful place to spend a week ! It’s an idyllic – thank you, thank you, thank you.

Jeff & Joan Tree, Maidstone

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An absolutely fantastic house, exceeded only by the welcome and friendly help throughout our say of Steve & Manisiah. We cannot praise the whole experience enough.

Geoff & Sue Dishman, Maidstone, Kent

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We have had such a wonderful stay here at The Millhouse! It was so much better than expected. A beautiful house in such an idyllic location, it has just been amazing. We had an opportunity to relax and celebrate with our closest family and friends with our every needs met in a place that feels like home…we actually wish it was home! The kids have so enjoyed the pool and play toys in the back garden. Your gardens are so beautiful too! Thank you Manisiah and Steve for all your help and thank you to both of you for sharing your beautiful home with us. We hope to be back someday.

Kristensen Family

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More than a luxurious manor house, we were hoping for a space where a family of 15 aged from 3 – 73 could relax individually as well as come together as a family. The Millhouse enabled us to do all of that. The amenities are comprehensive and luxurious but the design and configuration of the space means a large and diverse group can relax and celebrate together. However the defining difference between The Millhouse and other places we have stayed is the passion and competence and hospitality of Steve and Manisiah. Thank you Manisiah and Steve and of course The Millhouse for a memorable Christmas.

The Turkins, Glasses & Eliases, Xmas 2010 – Moscow, Russia

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A fantastic week has gone incredible fast! This is a place with something for every taste, for large and small. A perfect place to cure soul and mind - and the family. A beautiful place with incredibly pleasant hosts. Everybody have fallen in love, and we will return next year! and the year thereafter... Thank you very much

Morten Skaarnes & Family, Norway, June 2011

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From all over the world we flew in this week (Netherlands, Hawaii, Curacao) to celebrate mom’s birthday. WE had a wonderful week at the mill. The house is lovely, very child friendly and has everything you need. Manisiah and Steve are wonderful ! We hired Harriet, a very professional photographer to make pictures of our family gathering which was a great success ! We are definitely dreaming to come back one day !

Marcel & Eva, July 2011

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Just the most perfect holiday for our three generations – les dix-huit – in this lovely, beautifully appointed and equipped house. Thank you Steve & Manisiah, for all your help. It has been very special indeed.

Ros and Jeremy Barnes, 13 August 2011

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